Gears of War

The first major review this week concerns, what some people are claiming as 'Game of the Year 06', Gears of War from Microsoft Games Studios. Are we to believe the hype? Having played the game for several hours I would strongly agree with the comments that are flooding the internet concerning this game.

In the single player you take on the role of Marcus Fenix, a disobedient soldier of the Coalition of Organized Governments who is broken out of the slammer when the going gets tough, in this post-apocalyptic world that has been overrun by a mysterious force called the Locust.

It is clear to see how the team at Microsoft have spent the last two years and how the knowledge of Epic has influenced this title. The graphics are absolutely stunning and coupled with awesome sound effects this makes a fantastic romp through blood splattering mayhem.

Throughout the game, cover is your saving grace, be it a stone pillar or a burnt out vehicle, make sure you use it. This isn't the first time that taking cover has been used a focus, but this is the first one to make exciting. As soon as you pop your head out to blow away your latest foe you can not get away from the feeling that you have just done the wrong thing.

The tense battles are intermixed with some awe-inspiring cut scenes. In co-op mode the second player takes control of Marcus's side kick Dom and it is in this mode the game takes on a different feel altogether.

The final option of the game is online, where you and friends can battle your way into the belly of the beast, taking on everything the game has to throw at you. Should one of your comrades fall in battle you have the option to pick them up and continue you way through the hoards.

The mixture of combat and problem solving is about right, during one section of the fight you must stay out of the shadows unless you want the hideous creatures swarming at you from above.

The variety of weapon's available to you is somewhat limited, but has a nice mixture of long range to close up & personal, with my personal favourite being the chainsaw bayonet. If I had one negative comment to state about this game it would be the infuriating AI. Just as you are about to let rip into the monstrous army that's facing you, one of your team mates pops his head right into your scope sights.

With its combination of problem solving and none stop action; this game really ticks all the right boxes.

Due to the violent and graphic content this game has been given an 18 rating.

Rating: 9/10. Available only on Xbox 360

Competition

What is Barron's favourite weapon in Gears of War?

E-mail your answers to nick.procter@yrnltd.co.uk or text your answers by sending a text starting BFPEDITOR followed by a space, your comments, name and address, to 84070. Texts cost 25p plus your standard network charge. Please include your full name and address on texts.